KENT, ROCKWELL. Original manuscript signed for the Introduction to World-Famous Paintings (New York, 1939), edited by Kent. 7 pages (including insertions), 4to sheets (except one 12mo sheet), written in pencil on rectos only, with numerous revisions and extensive deletions, some evidence of fire discoloration at edges. [With:] 3 typed drafts (complete except for one) and one carbon draft of the typescript for the Introduction Together 20 pages, 4to, with holograph corrections in pencil on approximately half of the pages, some edges with fire discoloration. Accompanied by a typed letter signed from George Spector, editor of the Kent Collector, stating that this manuscript was one of the items saved from the fire that destroyed Kent's home in 1969. (5)

Details

KENT, ROCKWELL. Original manuscript signed for the Introduction to World-Famous Paintings (New York, 1939), edited by Kent. 7 pages (including insertions), 4to sheets (except one 12mo sheet), written in pencil on rectos only, with numerous revisions and extensive deletions, some evidence of fire discoloration at edges. [With:] 3 typed drafts (complete except for one) and one carbon draft of the typescript for the Introduction Together 20 pages, 4to, with holograph corrections in pencil on approximately half of the pages, some edges with fire discoloration. Accompanied by a typed letter signed from George Spector, editor of the Kent Collector, stating that this manuscript was one of the items saved from the fire that destroyed Kent's home in 1969. (5)

Lot Essay

"A Master with whom I studied used to say to us: 'The More fragile and delicate the subject of your picture the stronger and bolder must be your manner of painting it.' The corollary of such counsel invites us to reflect that the more solemn the subject of discussion the more gayly, perhaps, must it be handled; and to suspect that life at its utmost may be just like that: all opposites. Weak men are cruel; strong men, kind. And a proverb of William Blake reminds us (although we could ever forget it!) that 'Excess of sorrow laughs. Excess of joy weeps.'"

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